Calculate triangle area using base and height or Heron's formula
The area of a triangle can be calculated using different methods depending on the information available. The most common method involves using the base and height of the triangle. Alternatively, if the lengths of all three sides are known, Heron's formula can be applied.
The formula for calculating the area using base (b) and height (h) is: Area = 0.5 × b × h. For Heron's formula, first calculate the semi-perimeter (s) of the triangle using the lengths of the sides (a, b, c) as s = (a + b + c)/2. Then, the area is given by: Area = √[s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)].
Understanding and calculating triangle areas is crucial in various fields such as architecture, engineering, and design. Accurate calculations are essential for planning and executing projects that involve triangular shapes or structures.
| Method | Inputs | Area Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Base & Height | b = 5, h = 10 | 0.5 × 5 × 10 = 25 |
| Heron's Formula | a = 3, b = 4, c = 5 | √[6(6-3)(6-4)(6-5)] = 6 |